Tucson artist Dinah Stafford is in good company.

A papier-mâché bust she made of herself was chosen to represent the state in an exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Stafford's three-dimensional self-portrait will be on display in the same venue that has shown portraits of such well-known women in American history as Indian princess Pocahontas, abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe and retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Stafford is part of the PPEP Encompass Program in Tucson, which provides services for people with developmental disabilities.

Encompass is a member of the American Network of Community Options and Resources, a nonprofit trade association sponsoring the September art exhibit.

After the Smithsonian show, Stafford's bust, and the self-portraits of other winners, will remain on permanent display at the American Network's Virginia headquarters.

Stafford, 55, was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, a complex genetic disorder that can cause cognitive disabilities and behavioral problems.

She lives in an Encompass group home and channels much of her energy into her artwork. Stafford works in a variety of mediums, from chalk to watercolors. Recently she used glitter to enhance one of her paintings. Her designs range from minimalist to highly detailed.

When Stafford opted to create her self-portrait out of papier-mâché, Jo Earley, who heads her group home, drove the artist to thrift stores looking for embellishments, including a wig and glasses. Stafford fashioned the facial features out of clay and added a beaded necklace bearing a charm with her initials.

"Cool head," is how she describes her work.

Stafford, who cried "happy tears" when told her sculpture would be displayed at the same institution that has shown portraits by world-famous artists, said she hopes to have her own art show one day.

Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191.